Winter session may affect wedding plans in Belagavi

As politicians & officers get preference, public won’t be allowed to book hotels in N Karnataka town

While politicians in the state are looking forward to the Winter Session of the Assembly which will be held in Belagavi from December 10 to 21, families in Belagavi which have scheduled weddings during year-end are worried.

The delay in holding the Winter Session has come as big shock as many families had booked hotels in advance for functions and accommodation of relatives and friends.

During the winter session, most hotels are reserved for politicians and officers and families that have scheduled weddings are worried about the inconvenience likely to be caused. It is learnt that a few families have even approached the Deputy Commissioner’s office in this regard.

Generally, the Winter Session is held in November. Assuming that this year too, the Winter Session would be held in November, many families had reserved hotel rooms and hotels banquets in advance. Sources said that the district administration has asked hotels not to make bookings for the public when the session is on. Out of the 11 sessions held in Belgavi so far, nine were held in November. In 2014, the session was held from Dec 9 to 20. In 2016, it was held from Nov 21 to Dec 3.

Traditionally, after Tulsi Puja, wedding muhurtas are fixed for the year. It is learnt that at least six families had booked rooms in advance in various hotels as wedding were fixed between December 10 and 21. In several star hotels of the city, the district administration has booked rooms for politicians, administration staff, police officers and Assembly staff. Sources said that at least two such families have approached the district administration, seeking justice.

Belgavi Additional Deputy Commissioner Budeppa told BM, “At few places, we have left rooms that were booked in advance and taken the rest. Hotels have made necessary adjustments. We have given necessary directions to hotels so that nobody is put to inconvenience.” This will be the first Assembly session for H D Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government.